Creatine Health Problem

If you are starting on a muscle building program in hope of achieving the desire body physique, you must have somehow heard people talking about creatine.

In case you have not, creatine is a popular health supplement taken by bodybuilders to accelerate muscle and weight gain. In was made popular after the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona whereby 2 gold medallist was reported to have taken creatine prior to winning the events.

Though hugely popular among bodybuilders and athletes, there is this concern as to whether there are any creatine health problem or bad effects.

Just to get things straight before we proceed to discuss this concern.

As with any other drugs or supplement, one would tend to see side or bad effects when they are taken in excess to what is generally recommended. Take Vitamin C for example. It’s considered a very safe supplement as it occurs generously in many natural sources like fruits. So one would tend to take Vitamin C as a supplement without much reservation. But once you start consuming in large excess to what is generally recommended. You will start to experience some adverse effects like diarrhea and perhaps gastric problems. This goes the same for creatine.

When we talk about bad effects of creatine, we shall assume that this is taken with reference to consuming the regular dose and not in doses beyond what’s recommended.

Also, take note that the occurrence of creatine health problem or side effects varies from one person to another.

Ok, hope it’s clear from this point on. Lets get started.

If you are on creatine, or thinking of starting on creatine, this may come as a relief to you. As of to-date, creatine is considered a very safe supplement. Many users have not reported any bad effects after consuming it at least on a short term period say for a period ranging from 8 –12 weeks. There have been well over 100 studies that have shown that it is effective with a very low risk. There are really limited side effects.

Common side effects reported include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, muscles cramps. Some reported muscle tearing and soft tissues damage with its use. However, these so called side effects are usually associated with the level of hydration of your body and have been reported to be easily resolved by drinking more water. A change of the dosage form from the powdered form to the serum or effervescent form may also help.

Now what about on a long term basis? No one can really tell for sure if there are any adverse effects associate with creatine use as there is currently no reported studies being done. However, many athletes and bodybuilders who have taken it for years have claimed that they have not encountered any bad effects from taking creatine.

There is actually one investigation that has been carried out on a patient using creatine to stabilise an eye disease called gyrate atrophy of the choroid retina. A daily dose of 1.5g taken over a 12 months period with no reported adverse effects. Of course this may not be conclusive evidence to show that creatine is indeed safe taken on a long term basis. More studies need to be done to ascertain this fact.

So on the whole, is creatine safe?

Based on current studies done, its seems perfectly fine if you are taking creatine in doses that are as recommended but till more studies are available, it’s best to avoid taking it non-stop long term. If you should decide to go on a long term basis, then it might be wise to have a flush out period to minimise the build up of toxic waste, if any associated with the consumption of creatine.

However, take note that if you just take creatine and do nothing, you're just going to have extra creatine in your body. You wouldn’t look any different from where you have first started.. But if you take creatine and do those muscle building workouts, you do not necessarily gain Arnold Schwarzeneggar type muscles but you will definitely get some new muscles and some desired weight gain!

So what are you waiting for? Check out "Muscle Building Tips" now for a workout plan and get those muscles you so desired!

Also, make sure you maximise the effects  of your creatine supplement to make it worth every cents you spend on buying it. Creatine: A Practical Guide will show you how.